Simultaneous biodegradation of toluene and p-xylene in a novel bioreactor: Experimental results and mathematical analysis

Journal Article · · Biotechnology Progress; (United States)

OSTI ID:6893945

Lee, Jangyoung; Choi, Yongbok; Kim, Haksung ^[1]

---

1. Korea Advanced Inst. of Science and Technology, Taejon (Korea, Republic of)

Simultaneous biodegradation of toluene and p-xylene was performed in a novel bioreactor, and the performance was analyzed on the basis of both experimental and mathematical simulation results. The novel bioreactor employed a silicon tubing as a supplier of the aromatic solvents to be treated, and the transfer rate of toluene and p-xylene into the culture broth was easily controlled. Batch, sequencing batch, and continuous mode of operation were carried out in the novel bioreactor to compare the performance of the biodegradation of solvent mixture. Sequencing batch operation worked well, but several operational difficulties were found. Continuous operation was shown to present higher biodegradation rates and operational stability. The continuous biodegradation process was mathematically simulated, and operational conditions were optimized on the basis of the simulation results. 17 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.

• OSTI ID: 6893945
• Journal Information: Biotechnology Progress; (United States), Journal Name: Biotechnology Progress; (United States) Vol. 9:1; ISSN 8756-7938; ISSN BIPRET
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400201* -- Chemical & Physicochemical Properties
ALKYLATED AROMATICS
AROMATICS
BIODEGRADATION
BIOREACTORS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
ELEMENTS
HOSES
HYDROCARBONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
SEMIMETALS
SILICON
SIMULATION
TOLUENE
XYLENE-PARA
XYLENES
YIELDS